Rud Pedersen has announced the appointment of Jo Tanner as Managing Partner of its UK office, with effect from 1st April 2026. Jon Aarons becomes Senior Partner in the UK, in addition to his role as Group Director – Strategic Development. Rud Pedersen entered the UK market in January 2022 and currently has a team of approx. 20 professionals in Westminster.
Commenting on the appointments, Morten Rud Pedersen, the Group’s Founder and CEO said: “In the past four years, we have built a successful platform in the fiercely competitive London market. Along with Brussels, it represents for our clients a vital hub for public affairs strategy and cross-border opportunity. As we now accelerate from start-up to scale-up, investing further in our London presence, Jo is the ideal leader to take the team forward, releasing Jon’s energies to focus on senior client counsel and our continuing international growth.”
Jo Tanner joined Rud Pedersen in 2025 as a Director of the London office, having been a trusted adviser for the past 25 years, providing senior counsel to clients across the full spectrum of public affairs and strategic communications. Having previously co-founded a successful public affairs consultancy in London and time spent working for an international advocacy firm, she is now well-placed to lead the Rud Pedersen UK business into its next phase of growth.
Jo is a recognised political strategist and media commentator having worked in Westminster for more than two decades. She is currently on the Advisory Board of The Good Growth Foundation and a Trustee for charity Whizz Kidz. Taking up football in later life, she also founded the UK Parliamentary Women’s Football Team almost a decade ago.
Speaking about her appointment, Jo Tanner said: “I’m proud to take on the leadership of Rud Pedersen UK – Jon has built a strong team in London and there is huge potential for growth. For our existing clients, our fantastic team of advisers will continue to deliver first-rate business as usual. But I also look forward to bringing on board new clients and creating new opportunities to add to the team as we collectively put our skills to the test over the coming months."
Commenting on the move, Jon Aarons said: “Jo is the right leader for the next phase in London and we are so lucky to have her. She brings calm authority, sharp judgement, a strong reputation and fantastic network of trusted relationships across the market. I look forward to supporting Jo and maintaining my focus on our growth in the London market, whilst driving multiple initiatives to build our platform across Europe.”